Oil exploration gets underway off Donegal

Oil exploration work underway off the Donegal coast, could cost up to €25m to complete.

The work, which is underway 125km northwest of Donegal in the Rockall Basin, is expected to take about 20 days.

Last year, Enterprise Energy Ireland, the main force behind the project, spent over €20m during an unsuccessful search for oil off the Donegal coast.

However, this time the well is being drilled using a drilling rig better suited to the deep waters and harsh conditions that exist of the northwest coast of Ireland.

The rig will be fully serviced from the port of Killybegs using local supply vessels.

The results of the exploration will be assessed in the coming months.